Not all succulent species are dependent on cultivation in soil. In their habitats, they have learned to perch on alternative substrates to collect water and nutrients from the air or in leaf funnels. You can find out here which succulents stand out in particular.
Tillandsias thrive on wood
Epiphytic succulents do not require substrate
The succulent plant type includes a variety of exotic families and genera. Among them are various floral survivors who prefer life as epiphytes. Prime examples of soilless succulents are bromeliads, such as the unique Tillandsia genus. You can attach these extravagant beauties to various surfaces. That is how it goes:
- Attach small tillandsia to the bathroom tiles with a suction cup
- Stick the plant on a stainless steel stick in a block of wood
- Fix succulent bromeliads on a stone with a special glue
A creative design variant is tying up stem-forming tillandsia on a branch. Nylon stockings cut into strips serve as fastening material. With the help of a stemless tillandsia species, the Spanish moss (Tillandsia usenoides), the attachment point can be decoratively concealed. Since Spanish moss is not assigned to the succulents, a regular water supply is essential here.
Spray with water daily
So that succulents without soil do not dry out, the most important premises are a humid location and daily spraying with lime-free water. From April through September, add a liquid succulent fertilizer to the spray water every 3 to 4 weeks.
tips
Frugal cactus species such as the bishop's cap (Astrophytum myriostigma), the old man's head (Cephalocereus) or the hedgehog columnar cactus (Echinocereus) are ideal for an indoor garden without soil. You can easily plant the desert cacti in lime-free sand, which you fill into a bowl or terrarium.